The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly’s mission is to preserve, protect and restore the natural, historic and cultural resources of the Muskegon River Watershed. In an effort to do so, MRWA will be planting over 100 plants, 54 trees and a number of shrubs along Riverwalk, between Swede Hill and North End Parks. (Courtesy photo)

MECOSTA COUNTY — The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly will be hosting a Prairie Planting in hopes of preventing further erosion along areas of the Muskegon River.

“There’s an area that has been an issue for some time now,” MRWA education chair Nancy Burmeister said, referring to land along Riverwalk, between Swede Hill and Northend Riverside Parks.

Burmeister said the bank along Riverwalk has eroded from the river, and without stabilizing the land soon, the area could become dangerous for people who wish to walk it.

Originally, the MRWA looked into ways to stabilize the area and how much money it would cost. Soon after, they learned it would cost too much. However, the organization was able to receive grants, according to Burmeister, from DTE and Cargill, and decided to use plants to help prevent further erosion.

Sponsored by DTE and Cargill, MRWA will be planting over 100 plants, 54 14 to 16-ft. trees and a number of shrubs, all of which are Michigan natives with sturdy roots, according to Burmeister.

“I thought, ‘If we’re going to plant these, let’s make it community-wide.’ We want this to belong to the community,” she said.

Because of this, MRWA is offering the community a chance to become a part of the Prairie Planting, by allowing people to plant items, whether they want to stop by for a few plantings or spend the whole day volunteering.

“It’s going to be beautiful when it’s done,” Burmeister said.

Those interested in planting during the Prairie Planting are welcome to join MRWA and DTE on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Though the event begins at 11 a.m., members of the community can drop in and leave whenever they wish.

“We will plant until we’re finished,” Burmeister said.

On Sept. 27, DTE will be planting the trees and it could be dangerous. In light of this, Burmeister encourages volunteers to help on Sept. 25, or to stop by Sept. 28, to admire the finished product.

After the plants are placed, Burmeister said she hopes to include picnic tables and benches to the area at some point, so people can enjoy the scenery.